5 Weird Things You Didn’t Know About Macedonia
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If you’re on the prowl for an unconventional European vacation, set your sights on Macedonia. The country, officially known as the Republic of Macedonia, may fly under the radar when it comes to appealing destinations, but it has a lot more to offer than you think. We bet you didn’t know these five interesting facts:
1. It’s home to the biggest cross in the world.
The Millennium Cross stands at 216 feet tall on top of the Vodno Mountain in Skopja, Macedonia’s capital. Anyone spiritual or religious will want to see this massive landmark in person — you won’t believe how big it is up close. (And it’s cool even if you’re not religious!)
2. Macedonia is Mother Theresa’s birthplace.
Mother Theresa of Calcutta was born in Skopja on August 26, 1910, though she identified as Albanian throughout her life. The capital boasts a museum and a statue of the saint that history buffs would die to see.
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3. Macedonia has a 4 million-year-old lake.
Ohrid Lake ranks as one of the oldest lakes in Europe, and also one of the deepest. At its lowest level, it’s 940 feet deep. It’s so old, it has its own UNESCO site, so you can learn about the over-200 species you can only find in this lake.
4. Its caves look straight out of “Lord of the Rings.”
Macedonia has more than its fair share of beautiful mountains, sweeping rivers and mysterious caves. Peshna cave in the town of Makedonski Brod is beautiful and it’s said to look eerily similar to Helm’s Deep in “Lord of the Rings.” So cool!
5. Alexander the Great was Macedonia’s king.
Well, he was the king of the former Kingdom of Macedonia. He not only conquered the kingdom, but also ranked as the first world-size leader who extended his Euro-empire to Egypt and India. As you can imagine, he has a statue.
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